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Rugby Ireland

Tom English on the Irish corner of planet rugby

Munster are hopeful of announcing the latest, and final, addition to their squad this week with Gordon McIlwham, the 15-times capped Scottish international tighthead prop, set to join the province to replace the injured Mike Storey, whose deal has been cancelled after he ruptured his achilles five weeks ago while playing for Northland in the NPC. McIlwham, left, no long-term prospect at the age of 33, played against Ireland at Murrayfield earlier in the month and is part of Ian McGeechan’s World Cup squad. Presuming the deal goes through this week he will link up with Munster once the Scots are knocked out in Australia. ‘Talks are continuing but we’re pretty hopeful of getting him,’ said Gaffney last week. ‘At this point in time reasonable quality tighthead props are like hens’ teeth no matter where you look in the world. We’re trying to fast-track